There is no such thing as too many books for those of us who love to read and explore. My personal library of books on shelves and in closets is well over 2,000. A wonderful lady named Mickey Allio catalogued my books for 15 years or so. She made an old-fashioned library card catalog of each book by title, author and subject. Mickey, along with Mary Harlan, Alice Emminger, Irene Gant, Raedelle Plummer and Pansy Beaman, created our church’s versatile library. They loved knowing that I worked my way through college and seminary working in those schools’ libraries.

My personal library is partially for research. Good research involves learning the various viewpoints from a variety of authors with diverse backgrounds. If I am not willing to be taught to expand my thinking, I will only stagnate in my own limited understandings.  I weed my garden of books once or twice a year. I place those books in a box to give away or sell. I cannot bear to see a book destroyed. I oppose the banning of books and the arts. There should be restrictions for age appropriateness, of course. A church library has concerns about appropriate content that differentiates it from public or personal libraries. Librarians are skilled in making wise choices.

I take heart to know that I’m not alone with my enjoyment of books. One of my mentors said that any book was worth the price if it provided a good sermon illustration. I still use that excuse to read more books. Some people tell me they have not read a book in a couple of years or more—too busy, too tired, too much TV, and the ever-present phone in hand. Wander through a library, visit a bookstore or let me give you a book. What do you need to discover today?

 Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Open your world. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.

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